Lady Lancers outlast Meigs

STEWART, Ohio — Not the start to the season that the Lady Marauders had hoped for.

The Meigs volleyball team dropped three straight games to non-conference host Federal Hocking, Tuesday night in Athens County.

The Lady Lancers scored the first four points of the night, but Meigs (0-1) immediately answered back with six consecutive points. After four ties, the Lady Marauders expanded their lead to 15-11, but Federal Hocking rallied back into the lead with six straight markers. MHS tied the game at 17, but couldn’t overtake Federal Hocking and the Lady Lancers held on for the 25-23 victory in a game that featured seven ties.

Federal Hocking charged to a 6-3 lead to start the second game, but Meigs charged back to take a 8-6 lead on the strength of four straight service points by libero Jordan Roush. The MHS lead was short-lived however, as the hosts posted consecutive points. Meigs was able to trim the deficit to 15-13, but the Lady Lancers surged to a 25-14 victory, highlighted by seven straight service points by Mckenzie Steele.

The third game featured 13 ties and six lead changes, before Federal Hocking was finally able to claim the 25-23 victory, securing the three-game sweep.

Meigs was led by junior Devyn Oliver with 11 service points, including four aces. Roush marked seven points, Alliyah Pullins, Kassidy Betzing, Morgan Lodwick and Paige Denny each had three point, while Devin Humphreys added one. Roush had two aces for the visiting Maroon and Gold, while Humphreys and Lodwick each marked one ace.

Humphreys paced the Lady Marauders at the net with nine kills, followed by Betzing with seven kills and two blocks. MHS freshman Allie Hanstine finished with five kills, Lodwick added three, while Pullins marked two and Oliver added one. Oliver finished with a team-high 14 assists, while Roush led the defense with four digs.

Meigs will look to avenge this loss on September 9, when Federal Hocking invades Larry R. Morrison Gymnasium. After visiting South Gallia on Wednesday, the Lady Marauders return to the court on Thursday when they host Eastern.